Botanical atlas
Creeping Cinquefoil
Potentilla reptans
Creeping cinquefoil has quietly grown along footpaths and pasture edges for centuries, and old herbals rarely overlooked it. Culpeper and other seventeenth century herbalists praised it as a cooling astringent, recommending its leaves and roots for fevers, loose bowels, bleeding gums, and sore throats. Country folk brewed it into gargles for mouth ulcers and toothache, and dabbed strong decoctions onto minor cuts and grazes to help draw them closed. Its close cousin, tormentil (Potentilla erecta), eventually became the more famous astringent in modern herbalism, but for generations the two five-fingered leaves were gathered and used much the same way.
In tradition.
Creeping cinquefoil has quietly grown along footpaths and pasture edges for centuries, and old herbals rarely overlooked it. Culpeper and other seventeenth century herbalists praised it as a cooling astringent, recommending its leaves and roots for fevers, loose bowels, bleeding gums, and sore throats. Country folk brewed it into gargles for mouth ulcers and toothache, and dabbed strong decoctions onto minor cuts and grazes to help draw them closed. Its close cousin, tormentil (Potentilla erecta), eventually became the more famous astringent in modern herbalism, but for generations the two five-fingered leaves were gathered and used much the same way.
Traditional preparations.
A traditional mild infusion sipped for occasional digestive upset or used, once cooled, as a gargle for sore gums and throats.
Traditionally, a tea is made by steeping 1 teaspoon of the dried leaf in 250 ml of just-boiled water for 10 minutes, then strained before drinking.
An old country remedy, a stronger preparation once used as a gargle or applied to minor skin irritation with a clean cloth.
Traditionally, 1 teaspoon of chopped dried root is simmered gently in 250 ml of water for about 10 minutes, then strained and allowed to cool before use.
Safety.
Creeping cinquefoil's tannins can be harsh on the stomach in large amounts and may reduce iron absorption if used heavily, so it's best kept to moderate amounts.
Our sister app HerbLens identifies creeping cinquefoil from a photo and keeps its full botanical portrait: growing guide, harvest notes, and look-alike warnings.
View on HerbLensAsk HerbSense how creeping cinquefoil is traditionally used and what to know before trying anything at home.
Ask about Creeping CinquefoilHerbSense shares traditional herbal knowledge for education, not diagnosis or treatment. Herbs can interact with medicines and conditions. Speak with your doctor before acting on anything here, and seek care promptly for anything severe, sudden, or worsening.